Technical Abstract:
The surface properties of microbes are known to control the interactions between the microorganism and the environment. Understanding these properties in biocontrol systems can guide us in formulation and application decisions, which are important in developing a successful biocontrol product. In the current study, the physicochemical surface properties of blastospores of the entomopathogenic fungus Paecilomyces fumosoroseus are reported. Contact angle measurements were performed on microbial lawns of P. fumosoroseus blastospores to quantify their cell surface energy components. In addition, suspensions of P. fumosoroseus blastospores were characterized with the microbial adhesion to solvents assay. Electrostatic properties were characterized with zeta potential measurements of the blastospores. The results show the blastospores are best described as having a basic monopolar surface and classified as a hydrophilic. Blastospores are also negatively charged under neutral conditions with an isoelectric point of 3.4.